PENANG’s new ferry service made its debut today, with caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow taking the Teluk Kampi ferry from the Sultan Abdul Halim terminal on the mainland to the Raja Tun Uda terminal on the island at about 6.30am this morning,
Since the arrival of the four new ferries in Penang last month, many commuters have been waiting with excitement for their launching.
While on board the ferry, Chow greeted the first batch of pedestrians and motorcyclists.
The ferry ride took about 10 minutes from mainland to island.
“It is a new experience for the pedestrians and motorcyclists as the ferry’s environment is a total makeover compared to the previous iconic ferry.
“We have now entered a new era whereby this new ferry service will serve as one of the modes of transport to Penangites travelling from island to mainland and vice-versa.
“This new ferry service is efficient and comfortable compared to the previous iconic ferry.
“We appreciate the initiative of the Transport Ministry, the Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) and the Penang Port Commission (PPC) to ensure the new ferry service is carried out smoothly,” he said at a press conference after the ferry ride at Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal.
The four ferries are named Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kampi, Teluk Duyung and Teluk Kumbar.
Chow said the state is also considering introducing water taxi service to connect both sides of Penang, with potential terminals at Queensbay, Bandar Sungai Pinang, Tanjong Tokong on island and Batu Kawan or Penaga on the mainland.
“Two years ago, we introduced the Penang Bay development, so the water taxi transport proposal could be explored as a possibility.
“The state aims to become one of the important stakeholders with the Transport Ministry,” he said.
Chow, however, pointed out there was no formal application on the water taxi proposal yet.
“The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has previously promoted the water taxi transport, but this needs to be studied in detail,” he added.
Asked about the fares of the ferry service after the initial free month, PPC general manager V. Vijayaindiaran said details are yet to be finalised but it would be made known soon.
Based on past ferry ridership, PPSB chief executive officer Datuk Sasedharan Vasudevan said about 1.2 million people were recorded for one-way in a year.
The new ferries will operate from 6.30am to 9.30pm daily. The rides are free for a month until Sept 6.
Among those present were Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, Senator A. Lingeshwaran and PPSB chairman Datuk Syed Mohd Aidid Syed Murtaza.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix and Video by Siew Chia En